... and his trailing spouse

So, what's been happening to me? Well, pretty much just like home, without the enjoyable chat...

Have been mostly settling into normal life with school runs, nursery runs and playgroup, swimming, shopping... and the weather is still pretty much shocking, so not really 'gone Aussie' yet in terms of spending more time outside.

But something marvellous happened yesterday - we got FIVE care packages from Auntie Kim with DVD's and other bits and bobs for the children and (woo hoo!) Pampers Active Fit nappies for Phoebe. I can happily confirm that she has fully tested them already and they have passed with flying colours. Auntie Kim also sent me Aussie Mega shampoo and conditioner. Kimmie Lou, I love you more than is wholly appropriate at the moment!!

Still haven't really managed to meet anyone else socially, but playgroup on a Tuesday is looking promising - lots of lovely ladies, Ella and Phoebe fitting in nicely, and tea and cake to boot. Still haven't exchanged a word with anyone at school - because there is a 15 minute drop off and pick up window, it's impossible to tell who might be another parent from James' class - there is no standing about like in Dunbar. And they don't come out in their classes after school - so James is as likely to appear out the door with someone in Grade 6 as someone in his own class. But he at least is starting to settle - he seems a lot happier and apparently his behaviour is greatly improved too.

One of the other mums at Will's kinder introduced herself the other day too - it was like a miracle!! And in addition, I decided to take the bull by the horns and find my own friends by placing an advert on the expat forum, and am meeting up with an Irish girl next week.

Apart from that, I have tennis elbow. No really, stop laughing, I do. Those of you who know me will know that the likelihood of me picking up a tennis racquet at all is not high, let alone wielding it long enough to cause any damage. I did in fact manage to injure myself during a high speed dash through Vancouver airport carrying a heavy baby in a heavy car seat, and it's been getting worse ever since. Husband dearest has procured me a support bandage which is apparently known as a w***strap. Nice...

And apart from that the latest news is that we may be moving (within Geelong for the time being) as the people who own this place want to sell. Nick and I think they want to sell as they have had to cough up for a new oven, microwave, kitchen cabinetry, locksmith and heating engineer because of issues we have raised since we moved in. But hey, it's not like we are making up problems - the house is lovely, but certain things have not been maintained and now need fixed or replaced. And anyway, it's all a bit suspect as apparently they have a buyer though the house is not actually on the market. Because we have signed a fixed-term lease, they cannot actually throw us out before June 09, but I don't think we really want to stay somewhere the landlords want us out - it's asking for trouble and nit-picking I think. So anyway, we have said that we will move if they cover our removal costs so we will wait and see. We saw one place at the weekend which was superb but of course we will have to be approved as applicants and I think there will be a lot of competition! - fingers crossed.

And finally, went to see Mamma Mia a couple of weeks ago. Feel it is entirely possible that this may be the best film ever made. God I love Abba.